Share

Johannesburg City Guide

accreditation
Legendary Brenda Fassie's statue outside Bassline in Newtown
Legendary Brenda Fassie's statue outside Bassline in Newtown
City of Johannesburg staff
Johannesburg, also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or eGoli, is the largest city in South Africa. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa.

At 1,753 metres, and the highest World Cup venue, it is the economic and business centre of South Africa and its richest region. It became a city in the late 19th century during a gold rush to mine the rich Witwatersrand reef.

Known by inhabitants as Jozi or Joburg, it was also a centre of political agitation against apartheid before majority rule in 1994, especially in the township of Soweto, and there are important symbols of the struggle including the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela's old home.

South Africa's best known sides, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, play in Johannesburg, as do the university side BidVest Wits nicknamed the 'Clever Boys'. The region has generated a host of brilliant players, most notably Jomo Sono, Doctor Khumalo and Lucas Radebe.

Johannesburg’s Soccer World Cup Stadiums
Two stadiums, Soccer City and Ellis Park, will host 15 matches.

Soccer City: Originally built in the 1980s, this stadium has been extensively redeveloped into an eye-catching venue covered in brown tiles and shaped to resemble a calabash or African pot. It will be the biggest stadium in Africa with a capacity of nearly 95,000 and will host the opening match and the final.

For full information on Soccer City, click [here]

Ellis Park: A famous rugby stadium built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1982, it has been upgraded. Used for finals of the 1995 Rugby World Cup when Mandela's appearance in a Springbok jersey to support the triumphant national team had a profound impact in winning over the country's reluctant whites a year after the end of apartheid. Capacity is nearly 62,000. Seven matches including a quarter-final.

For full information on Ellis Park, click [here]

Top things to do in Johannesburg
* Visit Johannesburg Art Gallery, the biggest in the sub-continent
* Catch a show at the Nelson Mandela Theatre
* Enjoy a cool drink at SAB World of Beer
* Have an eclectic night out in Melville
* Visit Johannesburg Zoo
* Shop for curios at the African Flea Market and the Rooftop Flea Market in Rosebank
* Hold a hatchling crocodile at Croc City Crocodile Farm in Fourways
* Visit Alexandra township
* Discover the cradle of human civilisation at the Sterkfontein Caves

Getting around
There are numerous ways to get around Johannesburg safely, cheaply and efficiently including trains, buses, taxis, walking, cycling and others. You will need to be vigilant at all times, but rest assured the city is safer than its reputation!

For full information click [here]

Useful links for more information:
GoTravel24 City Guides and more


Soweto street soccer: the birthplace of many South African superstars. (City of Johannesburg)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()